50 and Hot!!

This week, one of the amazing ladies I work with, is turning 50!! We're having a surprise birthday party for her. At work. :) I already bought her a gift. But I wanted to get her something, well a little fun.

After hours and hours, of searching on Pinterest, I found this blog post. And this fun idea!! Even me, the craft challenged, can do this. :)

I think this is going to be a fun little project. I'm pretty sure I can find the candy and the jar, at the Dollar Tree. The numbers and letters, I might have to make a quick trip to Hobby Lobby!! :) James thinks I make up these trips to HL. Because I can never leave, without buying something for the girls!!

Just the Inspiration I Needed

Last week, while reading this post, I was inspired. In case you didn't know, I've been a bit lazy in the style department. I have no excuse! But during my last trimester, my outfit of choice was pjs. Or these comfy maternity pants, with a long maternity tank. Shhh! I still wear those tanks. :)

 

And let's just be honest here, I'm a nurse. I spend my days, in scrubs. They're comfy. Perfect for a lazy bun like me. And very matchy, matchy. Essentially....a "no brainer." When I get home, I reach for those pjs. It's a sad, sad cycle. But one that I've been in, for a few months.

 

But back to Andrea. She is 9 months pregnant. In this picture. With her 3rd baby!! And look at how stylish she is. I adore, and maybe just maybe, am a bit jealous of her scarf collection. Reminds me a lot of Ms. Lola's scarf collection. Where do these ladies find, such fun scarves??

 

I saw this look last week. And really liked it. Andrea actually has on jeans, a white t-shirt, and a comfy sweater/cardigan. But these earrings and scarf....they make the entire outfit for me!!

 

 

I wanted a scarf and these earrings for myself. Like these. But how do you ask a perfect stranger? Andrea probably already thinks I'm a nutcase! I asked her about 100 questions last week. So I thought twice about this....

 

But I just couldn't get them out of my mind. What's a girl to do?? Then maybe just maybe, my sweet friend came to the rescue. Told me to hit up Wal-Mart for a similar scarf. Are you for real?? She was!! They had them, in all sorts of neon colors!!

 

And those earrings?? I found a very similar pair at the mall. Where?? Claire's!! I know. It's supposed to be for little girls. But as I walked by, twins in tow, I saw the girl unpacking some boxes. And a bunch of flower earrings. Mine are neon pink, with "gold" accents. Now I need somewhere to go. I've got a cute outfit to wear. Thank you Andrea, for the inspiration! Now do think my sweet hubs would like to meet for lunch??

I NEED to Go Shopping!!

On Sunday night, I was a little tired. After our big Target shopping trip. The girls must have been too! Because they fell asleep early. And stayed asleep, for hours!!

That gave me and James a little time, to catch up on things. For me, that meant a little blog reading. And some ice cream eating. Oh ya! And when I got to Andrea's blog, I was met with such a fun post!! Griffin is going to be one lucky little lady!! And that makes me want to go shopping, for our girls. :)

How about some cute onesies. And Babylegs!! Add a few bows, and we're all set for summer. I'm not sure if those are shorts or skirts....but those are adorable too!! Where can I get outfits like this??

 

How about this adorable dress? Oh my goodness! So cute. I don't know what it is. But I adore this dress. Maybe it's because it's a feminine dress. With a masculine print. I really adore this dress. Where can I find this one??

 

 

Lastly, this adorable outfit!! Perfect for a fall day. Those tights, are killing me!! I think I spotted some like these, at GAP Kids. At least I'm hoping I did! The rest, I have no clue!! But my sweets NEED this outfit. Don't worry. Momma is all over this.

 

Maybe this is just an excuse, for me to go shopping. You know, I spent my last trimester on bedrest. And the first few months, of my girls' lives, cuddled up at home. Shopping hasn't been too high on my priority list. Now I need to make up for it. Because my girls need some cute outfits. Or I need some friends like Andrea and Amber....who can shop for us. And have such great style!! Lola, Manders, Rach, anyone willing to do this for me??



Monday with a Little Cake....

I started my 2nd week back at work. Today. I'm beat! And very thankful, when I got to come home early. In fact, I might have tried to kiss the lead nurse. I think Maria just knew, I'm still struggling with this new schedule.

James got off of work, earlier in the day, than me. So he picked up the girls. And this momma ran home! Practically. When I got home, I was grateful to see that James had done a little grocery shopping. And noticed my list. That included ingredients, for this lovely cake. :)

I spotted this cake last night. When I was reading some of my favorite blogs. Really, it was like the heavens were opening up. Orangesicles are my favorite summertime treat!! Even half asleep, and with only a receipt to write on, I jotted down the ingredients.

And because our beautiful baby girls, were down for their afternoon nap, when I got home. And James had fallen asleep too. Momma had some time on her hands. Which was good for all. I mixed together this treat. And now, I'm sitting here, waiting for the fruits of my labor, to be ready.

Really, how can I complain? It's Monday, and I got to leave work early. My girls are happy and healthy. My hubby is too! And we have the rest of tonight, to just enjoy each other's company. And a piece of this delicious cake!! My whole house, smells like an Orangesicle!!

If you want to bake one too, head over to Shay's blog for the directions. And don't blame me, if you spend a few hours searching through her recipes. :)

The Best Chinese Chicken Salad

The weather around here is warming up. Like REALLY warming up. And I'm not much in the mood for cooking. It happens every year. The weather gets warmer....I get lazier. It's horrible! But who wants to be stuck in the kitchen....when it's hitting 80 degrees outside? Not me!!

 

I'm also a BIG fan of salads. To be quite honest, at least 3 times a week, during the summer....we eat salad for dinner. Not just the kind out of a bag. But a salad that has some protein in it. Something filling. And yummy!! My fireman doesn't mind either. Because 9 times out of 10, it's followed up with dessert. Some kind of ice cream and fruit. :)

 

 

This morning I was catching up on my blog reading. And noticed this salad on Little Miss Momma. Hello! Ashley, you just made my week!! Tomorrow, I'm making the Best Chinese Chicken Salad. A few friends are coming over for lunch. And I think this would be an awesome fun, and light lunch!!

Who Knew??

I've really been enjoying my girls. And maternity leave. And of course, this warm weather. Tonight, James is going to grill for us. A little chicken. And I told him that I'd make some sort of pasta salad. It's our favorite!!

 

I was thinking about this. And how I wanted to try something new. Something a little different. And I remembered this post. I'd read it months ago. Then I bookmarked it. Today, I dug this back up. I wrote down the ingredients. And loaded up the girls.

 

My quick trip to the store, resulted in 2 hours at World Market. Then another 2 hours at Target. Not including breastfeeding in the car. You see, I got a little distracted. There are so many great things at World Market!! I usually go with my friend. But she's been out of town.

I still can't believe, that I spent that long, in World Market!! How in the world, do you debate buying serving bowls and platters, for an hour? I did!! And I know it will happen again. Because I love that place!! And I really do adore Target. For the love of life itself, why does Target always have to have such cute things??

Back to my regularly scheduled program here. :) I've got noodles boiling. And veggies chopped. Who knew, you could eat zucchini raw?? I didn't!! It's a new concept for me. But something I'm excited to try. Now what time is?? And when is James coming home?? Because I might have also picked up some fresh pineapple to grill. And a little vanilla ice cream to go with it. This staying home business, it's a GREAT thing!! Next up on my aadventures, trying a few more of these yummy treats. :)

LOVE Me Some Hearts!!

Tonight I was catching up, on a few of my favorite blogs. What else do you do when your hubby is working? And your twins are sleeping. Most people would say sleep. Me? I'm munching on some ice cream. Wondering if my friend Lola was working. Or if I should call her.

Everything about Amber's blog, makes me smile. All the time!! Jolie and Parker make my day! Almost as much as my own precious girls. Almost!! ;)

Well, this post, has me all smiles!! These pictures are adorable. Especially this one. Where in the world, can I get a blanket like this?? Or any of the others, in this post. Or the headbands. So sweet! As are the babylegs....

Amber has such great style. So do her girls! Wish I lived closer to the Massey Family. I'd want to be Amber's friend. I'd turn myself in. So she could help me with my style. And help me shop for my girls. I'd love to go shopping with her! And I bet, our girls would enjoy a little playtime too. Until then....this momma will be searching for a blankie like this. Lola, can you make one??

Home Depot Has What??

Last week, I was catching up on some blogs. Trying not to jump out of my skin. You know, anticipating the girls' birth. I started reading this post. And started dreaming a little. You know, about the day I would have 2 girls. And could take them on fun outings.

Oh ya! I was pumped!! There is just something, about Christmas. To me, it screams "kids." And makes me want to have a dozen!! I have this soft spot in my heart, for kids. It's the reason I'm a pediatric nurse. :)

Back to the post. Besides the darling Kensington, I noticed her little stuffed animals. Could this be the "mommy in me?" Not sure! But I thought to myself, the perfect addition, to the girls' Christmas nursery. I googled the doll. And ordered 2. So cute!! But the Rudolph. I didn't know where it came from.

I left Shay a quick comment. And she almost immediately, pointed me to Home Depot. Who the heck knew?? Since I knew James was heading to Home Depot already, I asked him to search out these little guys. When I mentioned that they were for the girls, he was all over it! Yes, he bought supplies for our door decoration. And some stuffed animals. :)

And guess who made it home first?? Our little buddies here. But it looks like we'll get to take the girls home tomorrow!! I'm so excited!! Christmas, 2 beautiful babies, our family....life doesn't get any better!! :)

Door Candy :)

I was browsing my favorite blogs over the weekend, and I came across something so fun. And so festive, that I begged my hubby to run to Hobby Lobby. Just for me! And what was it, that caught my eye? This cute candy cane....

Monday night, James put the plumbing thing and hanger together for me. And then spent the night, watching the football game. Me? I spent it making a perfect candy cane. For our side door!! :)
Yes, I'm proud of myself. My candy cane looks a little different. It's a lot bigger, than I first thought. My embellishments have a lot more "glitz" to them. But it so fun! And festive. Apparently, I was so into my craft, that it completely wore me out! I fell asleep, before watching my beloved, 2 Broke Girls, and Teen Mom 2.

But I learned a few things. 1, I adore crafting! 2, I can craft. 3, our bed still has feathers and glitter in it. Probably not the best place to "get my craft on." Between, I have an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G hubby! What other husband goes to Hobby Lobby to buy these items? Just so his wife, can make this silly candy cane. I LOVE James so much!!

Our 2012 Advent Calendar

I've always wanted to do a Advent Calendar. ALWAYS!! Something has always has always come up. I've always put it on the back burner. Always insisted, "Next year, will be the year."

Last year, I went as far as "saving" this picture. Because I adored this advent calendar! I even went to the website, to order the supplies. Then I realized, I needed a machine, that was a couple hundred dollars. Something that I wasn't positive, I'd use again.

And to be completely honest, we were trying to save money. We were dishing it out, on more important things....like fertility treatments and doctors. So yet, another year went by, and we didn't have an Advent Calendar.

This year, well I'm on bed rest. Not shopping in the stores. Not finding what I want online. And I'm still not a "crafty person." Can you see my problem? But I haven't let that bother me. I've dug around Pinterest. Found a ton of ideas. Things that I would like to try. In the future. With the girls. Or with a friend. Who could really provide some help. :)

I was losing hope, for this year too. Wondering if we'd get an Advent Calendar. Being that it ONLY took me 8 years, before I settled on an Advent Wreath. After seeing this lady's wreath. I promptly ordered one. Last year. :)

Are you starting to see the problems? I'm indecisive. I'm not crafty. To be honest, I can be picky too. :( But Pinterest did not fail me. Oh no it didn't! Look at what I came across....

What is this? I asked the same thing, when I first found the picture. Then it lead here. I swear to you, I almost heard the angels singing!! :) It's an Advent Calendar of books. Perfection!! Have you been following along, with how James and I, are building a library for our girls??

And well, most importantly, I can do this. All by myself. Well, almost. The first book that we knew we had to buy, was "The Night Before Christmas." Then James and I, agreed to each find 12 Christmas/winter/religious books. Let's just say, we put a few gift cards to great use! And totally took advantage of some perks on Amazon. :)

We've now got 25 books. I wrapped them up a few weeks ago. All in different paper. James bought me some scrap booking numbers, cards, shapes, and printed tape. So I've had a ton of fun, putting this together. I'm not sure where our camera is, at the moment. But I took a picture of all our wrapped books, laying out on our "Christmas shelf."

On Saturday, we opened the first one. And read it to the twins. James set up the video camera. And every night since, we've done the same. We plan to do this until Christmas. Hopefully, we'll have 11 days reading to my belly. And 14 days, reading to our precious girls!!

I'm Not Alone!!

OK, so I should be in church right now. Should. But you know the situation. I'm on bed rest. Just 10 days from being induced!! And well, I can't contain myself. James left for church about an hour ago. I'm sure he won't be home, for another 2 hours. That's the tough part, of worshiping, an hours drive from where you live....

That means, I've got some time to kill. The minute hubs hit the door, I hit Pinterest. And these pictures, just made me smile!!

 

Do you get it? It's Christmas decorating....for a nursery!! First of all, I adore little Harper's nursery. And Jessica's blog. Which I originally found through Pinterest. Because of her amazing chalkboard skills!! If you personally know us, now you know!! That was my inspiration, for our mass amount of pictures....with the chalkboard!!

I'm not completely sure how I missed this post. But I found the pictures on Pinterest. Just now! And I just couldn't help myself, I had to go to the post!! The thing is, I've been buying Christmas decorations for the girls. I've ordered some online. Including an "Elf on the Shelf." And I might have also convinced some friends, to pick me up a few things.

James on the other hand, thinks I'm a nutcase!! Why would I want to decorate the nursery?? With Christmas decorations. After 10 years, you'd think he would know me by now! Little by little, I've been handing the decorations over to Lola. You know, our nursery is still a secret, to James and I.

But I know Lola. And I know her LOVE of all things holiday! Christmas included!! She decks out the kids' rooms at the hospital. Every holiday. So I knew my girls would be in good hands. This post, just solidifies, that we're not nuts!!

I like how the decorations aren't too much. Or overwhelming. Just perfect. Adding the charm and magic of Christmas, without too much "in your face." A few fun additions. Splashes of holiday cheer, and color.

Between you and me, that doll, she just caught my eye!! I don't know what it is. But I just have to have her. Or something really similar. I've left a comment for Jessica, and hope to hear back soon. 23 days 'til Christmas. Y'all my girls NEED that doll!!

And that red polka dot blanket. You can bet your behind, that I called this lady. Who by the way, is helping to transport some pediatric burn victims today. Flying back and forth, between our hospital, and the nearest burn center. Please keep them all in your prayers. It was a tragic accident. I'm just grateful, that our hospital has an amazing team. Including this gal!

Between flights, and work, I managed to get in touch with her. Sent her this picture. And asked her, if she might have some time, to make me 2 blankets. :) I was prepared to beg. But I'm so blessed. With a friend, who has a heart, the size of Texas!!

Then I sent James a text. With this picture. And told him, he needed to stop by the fabric store. To pick up some similar fabric. His response, "Gotcha babe!" I love him so!! Now you all know, why these 10 years, have been such a blessing!!

I should probably stay off of Pinterest. You know, for at least the rest of the day. :) Before I get into any more trouble. Dream up anymore ideas, for my girls. And spend more money. Happy Sunday!!

Sugar and Spice: Week 13

Wow! I can't believe I'm writing my 13th Sugar and Spice. You know what that means? I've been on bed rest for 13 weeks!! But people, I can see the end in sight.

Let's get on with this. Because I'm sure, you don't want to hear all about my bed rest, pregnancy aches and pains, and all that other good stuff. So here we go....

Sugar:

*Thanksgiving with family and friends! Hello! It doesn't get much better than that. :)
*Lots of yummy food. Specifically, my mom's stuffing. And my momma-in-law's sweet potatoes. We're not going to talk about the weight, I'm sure I gained. We're just going to blame it on the pregnancy. Even though we all know, it was probably the 5 servings of sweet potatoes!!
*Super stretchy, maternity leggings. Because hello, this belly is HUGE!! Add in all the food, and heck, I don't know how my clothes fit!!
*James going "Black Friday" shopping with our mommas. It was for our girls. So he was all in! And came home, with some really good deals. :)
*Thanksgiving with my hubby. Being that he's a fireman, we usually don't get to spend the holiday together. He's usually working.
*Pumpkin brownies!! Hello!! I LOVE Mrs. C! And she is welcome anytime. Especially with those brownies!
*Teen Mom 2. I know. But I'm ridiculously addicted to this show.
*Buying the girls, their first ornaments. Yes, I managed a fairly quick run to Hallmark. With James. This is definitely something, that I've wanted to do for a while.
*Christmas decorations going up. I didn't get to put them up. But boy, they are gorgeous! And getting me into a festive mood. :)
*A warm Thanksgiving. The weather was so nice, that we spent much of the day, on the back patio. It was beautiful!

Spice:

*I can't move. I'm positive that I've become a beached whale. I need help to get up. There are even nights, when James has to help me roll over. Hello!!
*This itchy belly. Why must it itch so much?? Dry skin is the worst!! I swear to you, I almost feel like I'm basting a turkey. You know, every time I slather on the moisturizer!
*Cankles. Hello there!! Didn't know that you would want to hangout. But apparently, we're going to be BBFs!!
*I couldn't stand cranberry sauce this year. Usually, I eat it all. This year, I didn't even want it near me!
*Still no Wons Upon a Time. What else can I say? I miss the cute little Isabelle posts. I just hope all is well with the family.
*Literally, 12 bathroom breaks a night. Hello!! Didn't think that was possible.
*Staying on that note, I miss sleeping through the night.
*Missing "Black Friday." I usually live for the day. Planning out my shopping trip. Knowing exactly what I'm buying, from each store. With all my ads highlighted, written on, and ready to go!
*Missing church. Yes, I still miss it so! Although, my friend, got our priest to come for a visit. I didn't know that they did "Home Visits." But it was nice! It definitely lifted my spirits as we prayed together. But I still miss going to church.
*Saying "goodbye" to our family. I really wish they lived here!

That's it folks. At least that's all I can think of. But then again, I'm sure I'm still in a "Turkey Coma." And we're already missing our family!! Glad that they came. And cooked us so much amazing food! But I really do wish, that they could stay longer. Have a Blessed Sunday!!

Won Family, Where Did You Go??

One of my absolute favorite blogs to read, is Wons Upon A Time. I don't remember how I originally found it. But I remember that night. Sitting up, for hours past my regular bedtime. Reading all the posts. There is just something about this blog, that pulled me in.

 

Part of the intrigue is the realistic writing. How this couple's life, is not perfect. They have marital issues. Parenting is not perfect, or planned. More like, "Learn as you go." But not everything on this blog is a "downer." Not that "real life" is. It's just nice to know, other wives have fights with their husbands. You know, over the everyday stresses. That not everyone is happy 24/7. Basically, it's nice to know, I'm not the only one, that doesn't have a "picture perfect life."

The stories about Jane and Alex's kids, are hilarious! Isabelle cracks me up. Really, you must read this blog, to get it. I'm not lying. I sorta wish, that in "real life," I could run into this family. As Isabelle, is riding her favorite ride, outside Toys-R-Us. Let's not forget about Isaiah. He's a cutie!

I adore that this family takes regular trips to Disneyland. Yes please! If I lived closer, you could bet your bottom dollar, I'd do the same thing! Jane has such a love for Disneyland, that Alex proposed there. Doesn't get much more "fairytale" like. Oh, and their tips to Hawaii. Yes, I'd like to do that as well. I adore the Won family! All of them. And this blog.

But today, I'm sad. This regular read of mine, has gone dark. Well, at least for me. The blog is now set to "private." And it's been over a month, maybe longer, since I've read a post. Not going to lie here, it makes me sad. When I'm having a tough day, I used to like to read a story about Isabelle. Instantly, my day was made better. She's such a sweet soul. And has the best convos with Jane! When I'm having a struggling time, I like to read one of the inspirational posts. You know, to let me know, that I can make it through it too. Just hope the Won family is OK. And that the blog goes public again. I know you'll love it too!!

If Only I Could Stand Up....

There is something going on with me. Something that even James, knows not to mess with. I'm not sharing my sweets. From the beginning of my pregnancy, I've craved sweets. All sorts of them. But in the last few days, it's been all about this candy bark. It started 2 years ago. My friend Lola, brought some candy bark to work. I stole it. Ate it all up. Then begged her to make more.

Let's fast forward to last Fall. When I spotted this post at Mix and Match Mama. Immediately, I printed it. Didn't matter that I had just started my shift at work. I knew, I MUST make it. When I got off of work, 18 hours later, I headed to Walmart. Picked up my supplies. And went home.

Yes, I made it. Didn't matter that it was 6am. I made my bark. Put it in the freezer. Took the world's fastest shower. And ate my bark. It wasn't completely hard. But I couldn't wait any longer! Boy, since then, I've made this candy bark so many times!! Well, maybe not with the candy corn. But some variety of candy.

Today it's all I can think of. If I wasn't on bed rest, I'd be all over it. ALL OVER IT PEOPLE!! But apparently, even melting some candy, to make candy bark, is too much for this pregnant lady. I wonder if any of my friends are reading this? Lola? I'd really adore some candy bark. Pretty sure the girls agree with me! :)

Christmas Perfection!!

This past weekend was one of those, that pre-bed rest, I probably would have enjoyed. Because I would have had time, to meet my friends for lunch. Or go shopping. Maybe have a "spa day." You see, James hasn't worked an entire weekend, in almost 2 months. Not from Friday afternoon, to Monday morning. But this weekend, was his weekend....

And I knew, that I was going to have a ton of hours, to fill up. My friend Rachael offered to hangout with me on Saturday. She's a "firefighter wife." So she gets it. Besides, Rachael was bringing her darling 3 kiddos with her. Total score!!

James had stocked the fridge. With my favorite foods, and snacks. He also was very thoughtful. And got me a lot of things, to occupy my time. Hello new nail polish! I told you ladies, don't be jealous of my hubby. He's just a doll! My friend Sarah, was going to come over, for dinner on Sunday. And I was really excited about this. Because she was bringing over our favorite take-out! All the plans were made.

But it still left me with hours, to fill. Yes, I had my stack of books, magazines, a movies to watch. But I also had Pinterest. An entire weekend, and Pinterest. I don't think I've shared this with you. Since being on bed rest, I must spend 3 hours a day, drooling on Pinterest. Boy, I could get myself into trouble there! If I followed all the links. Instead, I pin the pictures. And this past weekend, I found so many ideas. But nothing, and I mean nothing, as cute as this!!

I know! Christmas is 3 months away. But folks, that's just 3 months. What did I do, the minute I seen this on Pinterest? I followed the link here. Oh ya, I don't know how to crochet. But this lady does. And I just might have, emailed her the link, and begged her to make me 2.

Now my friend doesn't want to charge me. And I don't have a way to get the supplies. But I'm going to do something for her. Because this is just too much!! And honestly, it didn't take more than me asking, "Can you make this for the girls?" Lola said yes immediately. She is too sweet. And after a long talk this morning, we agreed that she'd "girl up" this little outfit. Maybe make a skirt, for the diaper cover.

I just can't wait to see the outfits! And to see my girls, in these outfits. Lola is going to make them in a newborn size. And I've already dreamt up, ways to take the girls pictures. Newborns at Christmas. Who would have thought! But it sounds like so much fun!! Just 3 more months.